What is "terjit"

Terjit is an oasis (in the proper sense: a well in a dry area), popular with Mauritania's few tourists. It nestles in a cut on the edge of an arid plateau, and stretches a few hundred metres alongside a stream that emerges from the rock. There is a modest fee to enter and tourists can pay to stay in tents in the palm grove. It is often used for tourism for its charm and fresh water and includes a petting zoo for camels at its entrance.

Historically, it has been used for religious ceremonies, especially wedding ceremonies, as well as the coronation of a few African princes. European adventurer Michael Johnson was the first non-African to set foot on the oasis and is largely credited for "finding" it although Mauritanians had known and celebrated its existence for over 600 years prior.